How to Make Printable Art Look High‑End on a Budget
Taking free printables or simple wall art and making them look high-end doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, this easy DIY picture mat idea uses something unexpected—wrapping paper.
If you’ve ever felt like your wall art was missing something, or just needed a little more presence on the wall, this is one of those simple updates that can completely change the look without spending much at all.
And if you’ve been around here for a while, you already know… I’m all about decorating for pennies on the dollar.
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| This year's makeover Beagle prints hung in our dining room |
An Easy Way to Upgrade Printable Wall Art
This time around, I wasn’t starting from scratch. I already had something I loved—my Beagle prints from last spring—but I just couldn’t stop thinking they needed something more.
Not a full makeover. Just a little extra.
You know that feeling, right? When something is good… but not quite done?
A Little Backstory on These Beagle Prints
You may remember when I gave our dining room a full refresh without spending any money. That was a fun one.
If you missed it, you can catch up here:
- Transform Old Frames with Rub-n-Buff
- DIY Dramatic Clock Makeover
- DIY Beagle Decor
- Zero Dollar Makeover, New Look, No Money
- DIY Frame Repair and Painted Mat Tutorial
Those frames looked very different back then. I even shared how you don’t always need a traditional mat—you can fake the look using a little Rub n Buff and call it a day.
And honestly? I still love that idea.
But…
I kept looking at those prints.
I loved the Beagles (obviously), but I started getting that itch. The kind where you walk by something ten times a day and think, maybe I should change that…
I tinker. I stare. I rethink. That’s just how I decorate.
The $3.99 Wrapping Paper That Changed Everything
One Saturday morning—right after Mother Nature dumped several inches of snow on Ohio —my husband suggested we get out of the house and head to Home Goods.
Cabin fever had officially set in.
Now, I never shop with a plan. If I do, I won’t find a thing. But if I go in just browsing? That’s when the magic happens.
We were wandering the aisles, he was loading up the cart with kitchen things. I had all my gift cards ready (which, let’s be honest, makes shopping way more fun when it’s not your own money).
And then I saw it.
Wrapping paper.
Striped. Classic. The kind that just feels like it belongs in a Ralph Lauren catalog.
I zoomed in on it like Bentley going after a squirrel.
And right there in the aisle, I knew exactly what I was going to do.
I was going to use it as a mat for my Beagle prints.
I was more excited about that $3.99 wrapping paper than anything else in the store. Total happy dance moment.
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| Last year's print with abstract DIY mat |
Supplies for This DIY Wrapping Paper Picture Mat
Here’s everything I used to give my printable art that high-end look:
Printable Beagle art (or any artwork you love)
Striped wrapping paper
Scissors or a paper trimmer
Glue stick
Frame
Optional: scrapbook paper for a thicker “mat” look
How to Use Wrapping Paper as a Picture Mat
This is one of those projects that looks high-end but is incredibly simple to do.
Step 1: Trim Your Print
Carefully cut around the actual image of your printable or artwork. This removes the extra white space, or in my case, abstract gold space and gives you more control over the final look.
Step 2: Cut the Wrapping Paper to Size
Use the original paper (before trimming) as your guide, or if you still have the paper that comes with your frame. Lay it over the wrapping paper and cut the wrapping paper to the same size.
Step 3: Center Your Artwork (The Easy Trick)
Now here’s the trick—because I will be the first to admit, centering things is not my strong suit.
Place the original cut-out paper over the wrapping paper like a template.
Then set your trimmed artwork back into that opening.
This gives you perfectly even spacing all the way around without guessing.
No eyeballing. No frustration. Yay for me.
Step 4: Secure and Frame
Add a small dab of glue stick to hold everything in place, then pop it back into your frame.
And voilà—you’ve just created a custom mat using wrapping paper.
Why This Simple Trick Makes Art Look More Expensive
There’s something about adding that extra layer around artwork that instantly elevates it.
The contrast from the striped wrapping paper creates depth.
The “mat” effect draws your eye in.
And the whole piece suddenly feels more intentional—like something you’d find in a higher-end store.
It’s such a small change, but the visual impact is huge.
Tips for Choosing Wrapping Paper Patterns and Colors
Not all wrapping paper is created equal for DIY mats. Here’s what I’ve learned:
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Stripes or subtle patterns add interest without overpowering your art.
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Neutral colors (white, beige, gray, navy) work with almost any decor.
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Bold patterns can make the piece a focal point, but only if your art is simple.
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Metallic accents like gold or silver give a luxe feel.
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Test your paper behind the frame before cutting—it saves mistakes.
The Finished Look (A Little Ralph Lauren Inspired)
When I stepped back and looked at the finished frames, I couldn’t help but think…
Okay… this is giving a little Ralph Lauren vibe.
Classic. Tailored. A bit preppy, but still cozy and lived-in.
And the funny thing? I didn’t change much else in the room.
I kept almost everything the same, aside from adding a planter that also went through its own little makeover (you can check that out by clicking the link).
That’s kind of my thing—I like keeping what I have and just shifting things around until it feels right. And last minute, I did make a few more changes with my DIY planter.
Perfectly imperfect.
More Budget-Friendly Ideas
If you love this kind of project, here are a few more ways I’ve updated my home without spending much at all:
There are so many ways to work with what you already have—you just have to look at things a little differently.
If you want to try this project yourself, here are a few similar wrapping papers and tools I recommend.
Shop This Post
Here are a few wrapping papers and tools that give the same classic, high‑end look as the one I used:
Striped Wrapping Paper (Classic / Preppy Look)
Neutral Wrapping Paper (Safe + Versatile)
Kraft paper (always looks elevated)
Metallic Wrapping Paper (Luxe Option)
Tools & Basics
Scrapbook paper (for a thicker “mat” look)
FAQ: DIY Wrapping Paper Picture Mats
Q: What if I don’t have a frame?
A: You can use scrapbook frames, clipboards, or even binder clips for a casual display. Wrapping paper still works as a background/faux mat.
Q: Can I use scrapbook paper instead?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough not to wrinkle behind the glass. Wrapping paper works best for subtle patterns and metallic accents.
Q: Will the wrapping paper wrinkle over time?
A: Use a smooth cut and a dab of glue or tape. If you anticipate humidity, try lightweight cardstock or mount the paper to a thin piece of cardboard.
Q: Can I switch patterns seasonally?
A: Totally! One of the perks of using inexpensive wrapping paper is that you can update it anytime for a fresh look.
My Thoughts on Wrapping Paper Mats
I couldn’t be happier with how these turned out.
It’s one of those simple changes that made a bigger difference than I expected.
And honestly, if I hadn’t said anything… would you have guessed that was wrapping paper?
Would you try this in your own home?
I’ll be honest—I’m not afraid to use things in ways they weren’t intended. I’ve had napkins on my kitchen wall before, so at this point, wrapping paper as a picture mat feels like a normal Tuesday around here.
And something tells me… this won’t be the last time I reach for it in a non-traditional way.
Ciao,
Cara
